Does this Specialization apply as Continuing Education for Cisco Certifications?

At this time, Cisco courses on Coursera are not eligible for Continuing Education (CE) credits toward recertification.

Is this course really 100% online? Do I need to attend any classes in person?

This course is completely online, so there’s no need to show up to a classroom in person. You can access your lectures, readings and assignments anytime and anywhere via the web or your mobile device.

Can I just enroll in a single course?

Yes! To get started, click the course card that interests you and enroll. You can enroll and complete the course to earn a shareable certificate. When you subscribe to a course that is part of a Specialization, you’re automatically subscribed to the full Specialization. Visit your learner dashboard to track your progress.

Is financial aid available?

Yes. In select learning programs, you can apply for financial aid or a scholarship if you can’t afford the enrollment fee. If fin aid or scholarship is available for your learning program selection, you’ll find a link to apply on the description page.

Can I take the course for free?

No, you cannot take this course for free. When you enroll in the course, you get access to all of the courses in the Specialization, and you earn a certificate when you complete the work. If you cannot afford the fee, you can apply for financial aid.

Will I earn university credit for completing the Specialization?

This Specialization doesn't carry university credit, but some universities may choose to accept Specialization Certificates for credit. Check with your institution to learn more.

Understanding Cisco Data Center Foundations Specialization

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Understanding Cisco Data Center Foundations Specialization

Build a Modern Data Center Foundation.

Develop essential skills in Cisco data center tech, networking, and virtualization for your career.

Instructor: Mai Vang

Included with

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5 course series

Get in-depth knowledge of a subject

Beginner level

Recommended experience

4 weeks to complete

at 10 hours a week

Flexible schedule

Learn at your own pace

5 course series

Get in-depth knowledge of a subject

Beginner level

Recommended experience

4 weeks to complete

at 10 hours a week

Flexible schedule

Learn at your own pace

What you'll learn

Data Center Architectures: Compare and contrast two-tier, three-tier, and spine-and-leaf network designs.
Networking & Virtualization: Develop proficiency in foundational networking concepts and virtualization techniques.
Storage & Cloud Integration: Understand the principles of storage connectivity, hyperconverged systems, and cloud interfaces.
Practical Configuration: Gain hands-on experience using simulations to configuring Cisco Nexus switches and managing NX-OS functionalities.

Details to know

Shareable certificate

Add to your LinkedIn profile

Taught in English

See how employees at top companies are mastering in-demand skills

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Advance your subject-matter expertise

Learn in-demand skills from university and industry experts
Master a subject or tool with hands-on projects
Develop a deep understanding of key concepts
Earn a career certificate from Cisco Learning and Certifications

Specialization - 5 course series

Developed by Learn with Cisco, this specialization provides a comprehensive foundation in modern data center networking, virtualization, and storage area systems. Through hands-on simulation practice with Cisco Nexus and NX-OS, learners will gain the practical skills required to optimize complex infrastructures and prepare for entry-level professional certifications.

Applied Learning Project

Learners will complete comprehensive courses involving Cisco NX-OS, UCS configuration, and data center networking technologies. These practical exercises enable learners to apply foundational skills to configure, manage, and troubleshoot authentic data center challenges encountered in entry-level IT roles.

Cisco Data Center Foundations and Switching

Course 1, 7 hours

What you'll learn

Explore Cisco Nexus data center products and the NX-OS software architecture, including CLI, neighbor discovery, and connectivity tools
Understand and configure Layer 3 first-hop redundancy protocols such as HSRP, VRRP, and GLBP to ensure network resilience
Learn to implement Ethernet Port Channels and Virtual Port Channels for redundancy, load balancing, and increased bandwidth in data center networks

Cisco Data Center Virtualization

Course 2, 7 hours

What you'll learn

Explore Cisco Nexus switch management, control planes, and VRF for device segmentation
Understand virtualization concepts, hypervisors, and overlay protocols like VXLAN
Learn VMware products and network overlays to support high availability and multitenancy

Cisco Data Center Storage

Course 3, 9 hours

What you'll learn

Understand Fibre Channel storage networking concepts, including zoning, NPV/NPIV modes, and FLOGI processes
Configure and manage Cisco MDS switches and Cisco Nexus 9000 Series switches for Fibre Channel SAN and FCoE architectures
Implement FCoE protocols and CNA features for efficient storage and network I/O consolidation

Cisco Unified Computing System

Course 4, 4 hours

What you'll learn

Describe and implement Cisco UCS server hardware and connectivity, including service profiles and templates
Configure and manage Cisco UCS SAN, RBAC, and external authentication providers
Utilize Cisco UCS management tools such as Cisco UCS Manager, Cisco Intersight, and scripting options for monitoring and automation

Cisco Data Center Advanced Services

Course 5, 8 hours

What you'll learn

Automate data center infrastructure using Cisco NX-OS tools like Nexus API, Python, Ansible, and Terraform
Implement Cisco ACI concepts for policy-based automation across physical and virtual environments
Manage and monitor data center networks with Cisco Nexus Dashboard and Fabric Controller for agility and scalability

Earn a career certificate

Add this credential to your LinkedIn profile, resume, or CV. Share it on social media and in your performance review.

Instructor

Mai Vang

Cisco Learning and Certifications

15 Courses3,173 learners

Offered by

Cisco Learning and Certifications

Why people choose Coursera for their career

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Learner since 2018

"To be able to take courses at my own pace and rhythm has been an amazing experience. I can learn whenever it fits my schedule and mood."

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Frequently asked questions

The average user will take 2-3 months and 2 hours per week.

Students will need good understanding of networking protocols and the VMware environment as well as basic knowledge of Microsoft Windows operating systems.

Yes. Each course is designed to provide needed knowledge for the next course.